The Main Branch LLC.

[stephendare]

Ok, does anyone have any commentary on the Haydon Burns conversion project?

Is there sufficient parking to make it work?

How much parking will be necessary for an urban grocery store?

Am I the only person concerned about this?

[Matt]

yea i thought about that, but honestly, with an urban grociery-downtown, people need to get used to the idea of abandoning their precious cars and using their legs.............i know that doesnt answer the question, but thats all i can say.

[jbm32206]

No, you're not the only one interested in this...however, I don't see it happening until there's more residents down town. There's just so much needed to make center city a real down town.

[thelakelander]

Ok, does anyone have any commentary on the Haydon Burns conversion project?

Its a great creative adaptive reuse project that if pulled off successfully, will be a larger boost to the image and vibrancy of downtown, than all of the Southbank towers currently rising.

Is there sufficient parking to make it work?

It's been mentioned somewhere that a portion of the existing structure will house parking.  However, in reality, how much parking does the space really need?  It's no secret that downtown is littered with surface parking lots and parking garages.  Is it possible for Main Branch to lease additional parking spaces from nearby facilities?  Its not like all of the lots are filled to capacity anyway.

How much parking will be necessary for an urban grocery store?

Not as much as most might think.  From recent articles, it seems like a majority of the grocery market's customer base will be arriving by means, other than cars.  Remember, this thing isn't the size of a Publix....Boomtown's space is larger.

[thelakelander]

No, you're not the only one interested in this...however, I don't see it happening until there's more residents down town. There's just so much needed to make center city a real down town.

I think the market is already there.  The Northbank has about 20,000 people working within blocks of that location every day and there's about 2,000 residents already living nearby.  Considering the locations visibility and the need for a place like this in the core, the market is already there and will be stronger in a year or so, when this thing finally opens.

[thelakelander]

122 Ocean - www.122ocean.com

Tenants with either leases or letters of intent

Low Room Theater - An independent theater and bar

Nest - A modern design and furniture store that focuses on mid-century pieces

A wine bar - A wine bar from the owners of San Marco's The Grotto

City Market - An urban grocery store

Parabolic Pictures LLC - A film company

TigerLily Media - A film company

A leading Realtor - A residential Realtor that does not yet want to announce its intent to move in, according to Main Branch partner Jack Shad

They don't have letters of intent, but Main Branch LLC is also in discussions with a bar, two coffee shops, a cereal bar, and a four-screen movie theater. --------------------------------------------------

122 Ocean: Main Library grows list of tenants-to-be[/size]

Full article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/041707/bus_9236776.shtml

[zoo]

Thanks, Lake.

The market is here, desperately underserved, and tired of hearing suburbanites say the area isn't ready or won't support it.

Jacksonville is having trouble changing because its people won't. Can't see outside of the same formulas and boxes. Can't accept paradigm shift that makes the old formulas and boxes (and their suburban way of living)useless.

Outsiders, come save us!!!!!

[gatorback]

I agree Matt.  We took our car to the new Starbucks on Main street today only because we didn't know it already opened.  I doubt we'll drive there again since we're just around the corner from our new favorite coffee shop at 11E.  I guess I'll start enjoying my venti sweetened iced black eye in the new park a block away when it opens and laugh at the petrol-wasters as they drive by.

[spidey]

Gatorback:  I guess I'll start enjoying my venti sweetened iced black eye in the new park a block away when it opens and laugh at the petrol-wasters as they drive by.

I hope you don't trip over too many of the residents at the new outdoor homeless shelter.